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9 reasons Esplora is so awesome
Be encouraged to explore, think and imagine on an exceptionally striking architectural site steeped in history. Here's why Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara is awesome!

Lisa Borain
It makes science fun. 
The main exhibition halls and landscaped gardens at Esplora consist of over 200 exhibits, making this science centre fun! With the encouragement to explore, think and imagine, there's an exciting Activity Centre for visitors to experience hands-on ever-changing workshops and entertaining science shows, making science relevant to our everyday lives.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre 
It holds Malta's only planetarium. 
The planetarium is a Colorspace 4K theatre which hosts entertaining and educational shows related to our planet and space, the solar system and the whole universe. It features shows such as Habitat Earth, Perfect Little Planet, Back to the Moon for Good and Accidental Astronauts. You can't be too old or too young; shows cater to a wide variety of audiences ranging from four years and upwards. The planetarium building also hosts a Universe Exhibition of 13 interactive exhibits incorporating concepts related to the solar system, extra-terrestrial life, the International Space Station, and life in space, amongst others.
Charles Grixti
It offers historical architecture next to none. 
Esplora's architectural surroundings and breath-taking views of Grand Harbour are hard to beat. On the site of the current building is Palazzo Bighi, which was originally built in 1675 during the Order of St John. Although disputed, the palace is said to have housed Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798 before his entry in Valletta. Even before his arrival, the site was chosen by Nelson to build a naval hospital, and in 1832, the hospital was built, which served the eastern Mediterranean countries as a Royal Navy memorial hospital throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Since 2010, the site has housed the head office of Heritage Malta and the Malta Council for Science & Technology. The addition of Esplora was completed in October of 2016.
Charles Grixti
There's something for the whole family. 
Very often it's difficult to please everyone in the family at the same time, especially if the children are of different ages. Esplora offers something intriguing for everyone, from the early years to the elderly. Imagine a blissful day of everyone enraptured in fascinated focus! 
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
It's a comfortable outing on a hot summer's day. 
Apart from the entire centre's interior being fully air-conditioned, they've thought of a few extra things to make guests' visits to Esplora as enjoyable as possible. The facility is breastfeeding-friendly, and a Family Room in Little Esploras is available if parents prefer a more comfortable, private feeding area. In addition, the centre also offers bottle/food warmers, nappy changing facilities, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, toilet facilities for little ones (2-7yrs), lockers, and a first aid room. Not to be missed is the EsploraCafe, which offers visitors an incredible setting where the elegance of Villa Bighi meets the energy of the Grand Harbour. The café boasts a basic but tasty menu, and is the perfect place for a break from the action-packed experience of Esplora. 
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
Kids can simply play if they want to. 
Science playscape was designed to give Esplora’s little explorers a playful landscape that's entirely theirs. Aimed at children aged eight and under, this designated area encourages children to play together, both physically and imaginatively. 
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
There's an outdoor area. 
Apart from the exhibits in the main exhibition halls, Esplora also offers an outdoor experience for both kids and adults. These areas include a playscape for little explorers, a picnic area, an amphitheatre, and a botanical garden amongst others. The outdoor experience includes interactive exhibits such as water and sound exhibits, rotating illusions, SNUG (a creative playground), and an adventure area. Views of the Grand Harbour surrounding the outdoor areas enrich the unique experience.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
Visitors' support is helping local youths. 
The entire aim of Esplora is to increase the uptake of science subjects locally. According to past PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results, Malta didn't fare so well when compared to some other participating countries. The need of a permanent infrastructure such as Esplora was the obvious answer to increase interest in science.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
There's more coming!
Esplora was an encouraging exercise for MCST (Malta Council of Science & Technology). Now, under the chairmanship of Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, EsploraNatura is in the making, which will embody exhibits from the current Natural History Museum, as well as anthropological displays and shows. 
Esplora Interactive Science Centre

12th April 2018


Lisa Borain
Written by
Lisa Borain
Lisa is a copywriter/editor with an adventurous interest and penchant for all things Malta.

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